When Windows 7 Media Center Embedded was first announced I made the below tweet so when I first saw the Haier TV I was pleasantly surprised! (I'm also taking full credit...)

btw, Would love to see a TV manufacturer use W7 Embedded w/ Media Center for smaller sets. I want an all-in-one kitchen TV powered by MC7.

Keeping reading to find out what makes their implementation unique.

We've seen HP's lineup of Media Center Extender all-in-one TVs fail in the past, what makes Haier's different is that they are modular. AS you can see below Windows 7 Embedded is a modular unit on the Haier. I love the idea myself. As a consumer I know I won't be using Windows 7 Embedded in 2-3 years but fairly good chance I'll still have the TV and could upgrade to the latest and greatest module. Modules will be available for different products such as Windows 7 Embedded, gaming consoles, etc. No official pricing and release date yet but Haier will initially target the Asian market. I would be very interested to see these hit the US market. I also hope to see models that allow for two or more modules.

The remote had a cool design but in practice the navigation left something to be desired. For a prototype has potential though.

Another feature Haier has added is DNLA client support so Windows 7 PlayTo is able to target the Haier TV. This was demonstrated from the LG Optimus which includes a Play To \ DNLA client. It was unclear whether support was added to Windows 7 Embedded Media Center via a background add-in or the TV firmware switched out of Windows 7 Embedded.

Comments

We've seen HP's lineup of Media Center Extender all-in-one TVs fail in the past, what makes Haier's different is that they are modular.

I think the reason those failed was because they were Extenders and not an actually Media Center system. My understanding is these are running full blown Media Center rather then the joke that was MCEx.

I find this rather exciting. I've been looking forward to seeing more products with MC Embedded show up.

You are correct. The Haier is WMC running on Windows Embedded Standard and the HP sets were extenders. Perhaps the biggest problem to adoption of this display in the US is going to be brand name recognition. HP also faced a simlar (but easier) battle in the US TV market since their brand is not associated with TVs.

Just to be clear, this particular set will not be available in the US Markets. The Yahoo! TV will be though.

I don't believe the failure with the HP sets were being based on Extender technology versus Windows 7 Embedded, the price point was just too high for a device with such a short lifespan. We weren't provided the price point on the Haier but if can be competitive price wise then the modular design is very attractive.

I love the idea of Google TV, Boxee, Media Center 7, Plex, etc being the built-in interface for a HDTV but I can't imagine powering any of those on the same hardware 2-3 from now and staying "cutting-edge".

Also 1 thing I haven't mentioned yet is that each OEM has put considerable time into developing their own Media Center add-ins to truely customize the experience. One even created a full web browser for Media Center.

I agree that the modular design is the most interesting point here. TV's tend to have a much longer life span than computers or set top boxes, so it's nice to see a product with a (potential) upgrade path that doesn't involve buying a whole new TV.

Of course, depending on how they price the modules that could be a moot point.

Also 1 thing I haven't mentioned yet is that each OEM has put considerable time into developing their own Media Center add-ins to truely customize the experience. One even created a full web browser for Media Center.